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Pink bicycles have been placed in a field near the village of Ballintoy, County Antrim

Northern Ireland is hosting the opening stages of the Giro d'Italia international cycle race between Friday and Sunday.

Here is a guide to the key talking points, route details, travel information and the top cyclists taking part.

Firstly, why is the Giro d'Italia in Northern Ireland?

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Cyclist Joff Summerfield, who circumnavigated the globe on a penny farthing, rode the time trial route on his old-fashioned bike to raise awareness of the Tour de France in London

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Cyclists pass Dunluce Castle on the Antrim coast, which is on the Giro d'Italia route

While it may seem unusual that such a thoroughly Italian race is beginning in Northern Ireland, it is actually the 11th time it has started abroad.

Belfast beat a strong domestic bid from Venice and one other unnamed European city to bring the Grande Partenza outside mainland Europe for the first time.

Northern Ireland's Department of Enterprise say the total cost of hosting the race would be £4.2m, with £3m of this coming from the department and the European Union.

It is one of cycling's most famous events, and organisers estimate that it will attract about 140,000 spectators.

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Day two will see cyclists on a tour of the north Antrim coast before returning to Belfast after cycling 218 km

Stage two on Saturday is when the riders will first get to tackle some hills. Road closures begin at 08:00 BST. The race begins at Belfast's Titanic Quarter, and cyclists will pass through Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Bushmills, Ballycastle, Cushendall, Waterfoot, Carnlough, Glenarm, Ballygally, Larne, Whitehead, Carrickfergus, ending 218km later at Belfast City Hall.

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The third day will see the cyclists make their way to Dublin after starting in Armagh

Road closures for stage three on Sunday begin at 07:00 BST. The 187km route begins in Armagh, passing through Loughgall, Richhill, Markethill, Keady, Newtownhamilton and Forkhill in County Armagh, before crossing the Irish border and on to Dublin via Dundalk, Castlebellingham, Ballbriggan and Swords.